Jeff Kent

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Jeff Kent

Biography

Born on March 7, 1968 in Bellflower, California, Jeff Kent is a retired Major League Baseball second baseman, having won the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2000 with the San Francisco Giants. He is also the all-time leader in home runs among second basemen.
Prior to his 1989 amateur draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, Kent played at California. After four seasons in the minor leagues, Kent was invited to spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992. He made his debut on April 12 against the Baltimore Orioles and recorded his first career hit in the 6th inning against Jose Mesa. He was traded to the Mets for pitcher David Cone.
During his stint with the Mets, it was among the worst teams in the National League. He also acquired a very poor reputation in the clubhouse, where he became known for his quick temper and isolationism. In 1996, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians, shortly afterwards he became traded again to the San Francisco Giants, where his career would eventually take off. He became among the top RBI hitters in the league over the next five seasons with the giants. In 2004, he signed a deal worth $21 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers.